Question for Runners!

arbellas

So I am a bit confused about running and weight loss. So everyone says the key to burning fat is to stay in that "fat burning zone". Well that zone is usually between 125 and 145 for me. But when I run it gets up to 155-175. So I guess my question is...if I am not "burning fat" while running then how does it help you lose weight?

Sorry if that was not a well put question

MsElphaba

I'd be interested in this, too, because I just noticed this on my Polar FT7 and am wondering what it really means.

WifeMomDVM

You will still be expending calories (units of energy) and your body will mobilize that energy from wherever it can get it whether that be glycogen stores, fat stores, or muscle tissue.

Here's an article I think you will find interesting:

http://www.thefactsaboutfitness.com/articles/aerobicexercise.htm

Give it a read.

PS - I'm NOT saying running is bad - I enjoy it too. But running is really for endurance and heart muscle health, not the most efficient way to burn fat.

hiddensecant

That's really old information. Technically, if you want an activity that burns the most fat, sit on your butt and do nothing ... you won't burn many calories but you'll be burning nothing but fat.

How do you lose fat when you're running above your zone? It has to do with chemical processes and energy exchange that I don't know enough to get into. But you can read more about it by running a google search for running zone and heart rate.

Essentially, weight loss is more about how many calories you're burning rather what zone you're burning it in.

hiddensecant

http://www.thefactsaboutfitness.com/articles/aerobicexercise.htm

Give it a read.

PS - I'm NOT saying running is bad - I enjoy it too. But running is really for endurance and heart muscle health, not the most efficient way to burn fat.

Not sure what you're implying but this is what I read ...

"Although it comes as a surprise to many, the majority of research shows that aerobic exercise in the so-called "fat burning zone" is not a very effective way to lose fat. "

In any case, I'm assuming that you're doing more than just running? Optimal fat loss needs to involve both cardio and strength training.

LorinaLynn

http://exercise.about.com/od/weightloss/a/The-Truth-About-The-Fat-Burning-Zone.htm

That explains it better than I can.

Approximately 23 out of the 28 pounds I've lost have been from fat, and I do a LOT of running.

arbellas

http://exercise.about.com/od/weightloss/a/The-Truth-About-The-Fat-Burning-Zone.htm

That explains it better than I can.

Approximately 23 out of the 28 pounds I've lost have been from fat, and I do a LOT of running.

This was very helpful! Thank you!!

jmgj27

I've lost a huge amount of BF% and I run. My cardio is usually between 155 and 175 as well and if it's not, I barely break a sweat. I have to say I think running in the so-called "fat-burning zone" is a crock. It doesn't burn as many calories and I've NEVER seen it burn more fat on me that just straight cardio. I also notice that 99.9% of the people in my gym who don't seem to lose weight are the ones who exercise in the fat-burning zone. At the end of the day it's cals in v cals out. More cals out = burning off fat. If you're really skinny you will need to build in a bunch of resistance training to avoid burning lean muscle but I'm now under 23% BF and I'm still burning just fat. Good luck!